NorCal driver Ripslinger scores top spot in elder category

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The 2012 season signaled a partnership between MAXSpeed and eKartingNews.com, bringing about new article series focused on the promotion of the United States Rotax Max Challenge program. Among that was the addition of the eKartingNews.com United States Rotax Driver Rankings. Taking over the USRMC National Point Standings, EKN combined that system with its own ‘Driver Rankings’ formula to create a new program for the 2012 season.

The EKN United States Rotax Driver Rankings tabulates the best six results for each USRMC driver in each of the six Rotax categories, using a weighted point system that increases based on event participation. Now that the season is completed, EKN is happy to highlight the top-10 drivers in each category, while also recognizing the #1 driver in each class heading into the 2013 season.

Masters Max
As with most categories in the Rotax Max Challenge program, the Masters Max division is also seeing increase in numbers across the country. The 2012 season saw a 15% increase in participation, as 123 drivers recorded results. Six different USRMC programs are represented in the top-10, separated by less than 100 points. F1 New Jersey and MRP series stand strong with three drivers each in the top-10. Sanzaru NorCal, Racing the Rockies, North Florida and Northwest Gold Cup round out the other series, hitting all four corners of the country. Four drivers return from last year’s standings, including top driver from a year ago John Bonanno.

Age: 37Chassis: EnergyEngine Service Center: SwedeTechSponsors: Thank you to Diego Valverde (Valverde Racing Performance-VRP). Thank you for helping me all year long and getting a setup at Fontana Gatorz that was successful for us all year long. The carburetor setups were awesome. Also thank you Becky. Thank you to SwedeTech for the awesome engine that lasted all year long. You guys made me sweat during tech but it passed every time. And last to SCR Installers for putting up the big dollars to keep me racing all year.Years Karting: 10 indoor, 3 outdoorFavorite Track: Simraceway Performance Karting Center (Reverse National)2012 Accomplishments: Sanzaru Games NorCal Rotax Challenge – Masters Champion2013 Goals: Defend my championship and place well at Rotax Challenge of the Americas (Fontana)

Age: 44Chassis: Arrow X2Engine Service Center: KartSport North AmericaSponsors: KartSport, SFIYears Karting: 5Favorite Track: I find some good in all that tracks that I have run2012 Accomplishments: Being more consistent2013 Goals: Win every race I enter

Born: 8/5/1946Chassis: 2007 Birel R31 with Front BrakesEngine Service Center: LSR MotorsportsSponsors: Lakeside Fitness, MRP Motorsports, Automotive Racing Products, LSR MotorsportsYears Karting: 4 years in the early 1960’s and for the last 30 years
Favorite Track: USA International Raceway2012 Accomplishment: Being one of several at the Grand Nationals who were helped with their corner speed by Scott Falcone2013 Goals: Enjoy karting with my friends

USRMC (Date)

Finish

Points

MRP (4/15)

1

944

MRP (4/29)

1

933

MRP (5/27)

1

921

MRP (6/10)

2

916

MRP (9/23)

2

921

MRP (10/7)

1

925

4. John Bonanno

John Bonanno

Hometown: West Deptford, New JerseyUSRMC Series: F1 New JerseyPoints: 5536

Age: 40Chassis: KosmicEngine Service Center: Jim Hanson – Engine Services in Braselton, GASponsors: I want to thank Jim Hanson, J3 Competition, SKTL Apparel, Compressed Air Equipment, Al V-team Tachyan, the team at NJ Motorsports Park and all the family & friends that made 2012 possible and so much fun.Years Karting: Who’s counting, at least 4 this second time aroundFavorite Track: New Jersey Motorsports Park2012 Accomplishments: Didn’t make as many events this year, but most proud of being back in the hunt in South Bend, until losing a chain in the final.2013 Goals: TBD – semi retirement

Age: 65Chassis: CRG Road RebelEngine Service Center: LSR MotorsportsSponsors: LSR Motorsports, Kartfinder.com, AMR Kart Products, NKNYears Karting: Stared karting in 1965Favorite Track: New Castle Motorsports Park2012 Accomplishments: Finished five races for the first time in several years after neck issues. Most fun I have had in a long time competing against the Masters group at MRP.2013 Goals: See my Granddaughter succeed in her move from Micro Max to Mini Max

Born: 1/23/1973Chassis: Birel R32Engine Service Center: Tim Lobuagh @ MRP MotorsportSponsors: Team Crumstown Racing, Ryman Designs, SLC Automotive, MRPYears Karting: 15Favorite Track: Michiana Raceway Park2012 Accomplishments: 2nd – MRP Rotax Series, 11th – Rotax Grands (the fun I had that week outweighs the disappointing results)2013 Goals: MRP Series Championship; quit losing to guys that race on social security checks.Comments: Big thanks to Josh Koch for his time and efforts in tuning each race day and Tim Lobaugh @ MRP for his continued support with our engines. Also- to my wife, Kristin, for supporting my passion that keeps me away from the family on occasion while also keeping our boys involved in sports that don’t involve a steering wheel.